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Major League Soccer Suspends Lionel Messi
Drama unfolded this past week in Major League Soccer as it was left with a heavy decision to make regarding it's biggest star Lionel Messi as well as Jordi Alba. Both were a no show to the MLS All-Star practice on Tuesday with the match taking place on Wednesday at Austin FC's Q2 Stadium against the Liga MX All-Stars.
Inter Miami CF indeed has had the most matches out of any MLS team with the FIFA Club World Cup and now the Leagues Cup coming up. The rule has always been if a player misses the All-Star Game without a valid reason like injury or personal reason the player will be suspended one match. Miami did not communicate with the league about the intentions of Messi and Alba to miss the match until just 24 hours before.
Many fans and media members put pressure on the league to go ahead with the suspension on the Miami duo and if they did not it would be clear favoritism towards Inter Miami CF. U.S. legendary player Landon Donovan chimed in and stated this situation is the reason why he appreciates David Beckham so much more. Beckham in 2012 departed Los Angeles to London for commitments dealing with the Olympics and would fly to Philadelphia the next day to participate in the All-Star Game and would fly after the game back to London. In 2012, Beckham understood his role as ambassador of the MLS as well as growing the game in America and his brand.
David Beckham and Lionel Messi are two different people but this has left a sour taste in the mouths of American fans especially those who paid money to be in Austin to watch the world cup winner captain the MLS side. Team owner Jorge Mas had a press conference to defend Messi and Alba as well as sharing his personal opinion on the league's decision. Mas stated that the rule must change and not put players in a position of deciding between a regular season match or an All-Star game he would call an "exhibition game".
Mas would speak about the intense travel schedule and all the games they've had to play in the last few weeks in which a reporter in the press conference would bring up a good point. If Messi needed rest why didn't head coach Javier Mascherano pull him when they were up three against last place Montreal? Why didn't they pull him when they were down by four to FC Cincinnati? Why didn't they pull him when they were up by four on the New York Red Bulls? Contradictory to Mas saying Messi needs rest he would answer this saying any match Messi plays he will play a full 90 minutes. If he needed rest, you would figure they would do anything to protect his longevity.
Miami would go on and draw 0-0 with the Ohio club who's sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference with Messi watching from the stands at Chase Stadium. Next up for Inter Miami CF is the start of the Leagues Cup against Liga MX team Atlas.
Written by: Daniel Torres
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